Chet Edwards For Congress - Press releases

Vets Champ Edwards Honored with VFW Cong. Award ...

Kat — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:59:38 -0700

Veterans Champion Edwards Honored with National VFW Congressional Award Given to Only One Member of Congress

One of Only Four Texans to Ever Receive Prestigious Award (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Chet Edwards was honored this week by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) with their national 2008 Congressional Award, given to only one member of Congress annually for outstanding service to veterans, troops, and their families. In his first year as Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee in 2007, Edwards authored $11.8 billion in increased veterans’ health care and benefits, the largest increase in veterans funding in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“It is a privilege to work alongside the VFW to improve health care and benefits for America’s veterans, and I am deeply humbled by this honor,” said Edwards. “There is much more work to do, but this historic $11.8 billion funding increase represents a new day for America’s veterans and their families, who have earned every dime of it through their service and sacrifice for country.”

The VFW Congressional Award has been presented annually to only one member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of veterans. VFW National Commander George Lisicki presented the award to Edwards at the annual VFW Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. on March 3rd.

"Our military, our veterans, and our families of past and present have no better friend in Congress than Chet Edwards," said Commander Lisicki. "I am honored to present this prestigious VFW national award to him."

Edwards is only the fourth Texan to receive the Congressional Award from the VFW, America's oldest major veterans' organization established in 1899. The others were Rep. Olin Teague (D-6th), Edwards’ former boss and mentor, in 1969, Rep. George H. Mahon (D-19th) in 1974, and Sen. John Tower (R) in 1983.

Edwards: House Passes 21st Century GI Bill of Rights ...

Kat — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:04:40 -0700

Edwards: House Passes 21st Century GI Bill of Rights to Cover Veterans’ Cost of College Education

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Chet Edwards, Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, today supported House passage of a historic new GI Bill for the 21st Century that covers the cost of a college education for U.S. service men and women.

“For the 1.7 million brave men and women who have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, this legislation will make a college education a reality, not a dream,” said Rep. Edwards. “This new GI Bill for the 21st Century restores the promise of the GI Bill to pay for a full four-year college education for America’s veterans by doubling the current benefit from approximately $9,000 per year to $18,000 per year. Not only will this strengthen our military, it will also allow the heroes of Iraq and Afghanistan to be part of spurring the American economic recovery -- just as the original GI Bill did after World War II.”

Under the new GI Bill, servicemembers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, who have served 3 years on active duty, would receive benefits to cover the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school, along with a stipend for housing, books and other expenses. Education benefits would be available to troops who have served at least 3 months of active duty service since September 11, 2001, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. Right now, veterans’ education benefits cover only about 60 percent of the cost of a public-school education.

The new GI Bill is broadly supported by all major veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
In his first year as Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Edwards authored a historic increase of $11.8 billion in veterans’ health care and benefits, the largest increase in veterans funding in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

11 Johnson County Mayors Endorse Edwards

jessica — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 11:57:51 -0700

October 18, 2006
11 Johnson County Mayors Endorse Edwards

Cleburne – This morning every mayor in Johnson County announced their public endorsement of Congressman Chet Edwards for re-election. The mayors of Cleburne, Burleson, Alvarado, Briar Oaks, Cross Timber, Godley, Grandview, Joshua, Keene, Rio Vista and Venus all signed a letter of endorsement at Edwards’ campaign headquarters in Cleburne.

Cleburne Mayor Ted Reynolds said, “Chet Edwards is a man of action, not promises. He said he would open the first ever congressional office here in Cleburne, and he did just that. He has been more responsive to our community and our needs than any member of Congress I’ve seen. I am endorsing Chet because I know he will continue to serve as an independent bipartisan leader who puts the health and safety of our families and children above partisan politics.”

“I am proud to stand with Chet Edwards and support him in this election because he has proven to be an effective, hard-working congressman who works on a bi-partisan basis and has the record to prove it. Put simply, Chet Edwards puts his district above partisan politics every time,” added Burleson Mayor Ken Shetter.

Since opening the first congressional office ever in Johnson County when he took office in January of 2005, Edwards has visited the county an average of once every two weeks, visiting with local community leaders, businesspeople and elected officials. Edwards’ strong record of effective work for Johnson County in the short time he has represented the area in Congress has earned him broad bipartisan support in this campaign.

“The choice in this race for Congress is clear. In the two short years Chet has represented Johnson County, he has made a lasting impression by working to reopen Ham Creek Park, improve our roads and stop our anti-drug taskforce from shutting down,” said Johnson County Commissioner R.C. McFall. “Chet has proven that he has the independence to stand up and fight for the issues that are most important to the people of Johnson County and I am proud to support him.”

“Over the past two years I have been proud to represent the people of Johnson County and I am proud of my strong working relationships with the communities here. By listening to you, learning from you and working with you, our office has worked to improve the quality of life for all the families living here. These endorsements from local elected officials are another sign of the broad bipartisan momentum behind our campaign, but more than that, thier support means a lot to me personally and I have enjoyed working with each and every one of them. I look forward to continuing to use my seniority in Congress to work with you to improve life for Johnson County families,” said Edwards.

Every mayor of every town within Johnson County announced their public support of Edwards today. Besides Reynolds and Shetter, that list includes Mayors Tom Durington of Alvarado, James Dunn of Briar Oaks, Wava McCullough of Cross Timber, David Wallis of Godley, Brandon Wright of Grandview, Merle Breitenstein of Joshua, Gary Heinrich of Keene, Russell Green of Rio Vista and Carolyn Welcher of Venus.

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NRCC Pulls the Plug on the Taylor Campaign

jessica — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:57:49 -0700

October 17, 2006
NRCC Pulls the Plug on the Taylor Campaign
After conducting its own poll, NRCC pulls ad buy in support of Taylor

Waco – In a devastating blow to the Van Taylor campaign, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has canceled its planned television ad buy of over $1.5 million after conducting a poll in TX-17. The news followed on the heels of the Taylor campaign’s October Quarterly Federal Elections Commission (FEC) report which showed just $102,495 cash-on-hand as of Sept. 30th, while Congressman Chet Edwards’ campaign had an 11:1 cash-on-hand advantage, with $1.14 million in the bank.

According to an October 12th independent expenditure report with the FEC, the NRCC paid for a poll of the Edwards-Taylor race last week. Groups such as the NRCC are required to report independent expenditures to the FEC within 24 hours.

According to five television stations in the DFW market, the NRCC on Monday canceled its planned television ad buy on behalf of Taylor. The cancelled Taylor buy was valued at over $1.5 million and was scheduled to run in the last two weeks of the campaign.

“Two years ago, the NRCC ran over a million dollars of ads in the DFW market alone in support of Chet’s opponent. Mr. Taylor can spin the bad news any way he wants, but the fact is that after reviewing its own poll last week, the NRCC has pulled the plug on the Van Taylor campaign,” said Edwards Communication Director, Jessica Schafer. “That’s not just bad news, that’s devastating news for a campaign that was already in trouble.”

“With a 21 point lead in the polls and a more than ten-to-one cash-on-hand advantage, we have both the resources and momentum to aggressively communicate Chet’s positive message of effective, hard work for the people of the 17th District and get out the vote across the district,” added Schafer.

Timeline: The Taylor Tail-Spin

August 24, 2006: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) both announce their endorsement of Edwards for re-election. The endorsements represent a blow to the Van Taylor campaign since both nonpartisan organizations generally endorse Republicans, including Edwards’ 2004 opponent, Arlene Wohlgemuth. The Texas Business Association’s political action committee, BACPAC, also announces its endorsement of Edwards.

September 1, 2006: The Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund (AGFUND) endorses Edwards. Considered a conservative organization, the TFB AGFUND endorsement is highly sought after and is another sign of the momentum and strong local support behind Edwards’ campaign.

September 29, 2006: The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) refuses to endorse Taylor over Edwards, despite having endorsed Edwards’ opponents in the last three elections. The NRA-PVF also awards Edwards a “B” grade for his strong support of the Second Amendment.

October 6, 2006: The Fort Worth Star Telegram endorses Edwards, writing that, “Chet Edwards brings experience, understanding and the closest thing to statesmanship one can find in Washington these days….From championing investments in the nation's military infrastructure to voicing concerns about healthcare for veterans, Edwards has been a constant advocate for the country's military personnel.”

October 9, 2006: The Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Political Action Committee endorses Edwards during a district-wide tour to launch Edwards’ “Vets for Chet” group. Vets for Chet includes more than 500 veterans in the 17th District. Three Former Fort Hood and III Corps Commanders and the former State Commanders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans also endorse Edwards.

October 11, 2006: The Dallas Morning News endorses Edwards, highlighting his “steady, pro-defense record and years of dependable service to constituents” and noting that his “senior position on the House Appropriations Committee gives him muscle in the fight for Waco’s threatened VA center.” The paper also notes that Taylor is a “rookie who’s long on cash and slash-and-burn campaigning but short on answers” and raises concerns about Taylor’s credibility.

October 12, 2006: The Edwards campaign reports that he has a commanding 21-point lead in the race according to a poll of 400 likely voters conducted October 9-10 by the respected Washington, DC polling firm of Bennett, Petts and Blumenthal. The poll shows Edwards leading Taylor 54% - 33% and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%.

October 15, 2006: The Waco Tribune-Herald becomes the third major newspaper serving the district to endorse Edwards over Taylor, saying the election decision was “easy” given Edwards’ record of effective service for the district. The editorial board also points out “Taylor’s campaign has been characterized by attacks that twist the truth into pretzel form.”

October 15, 2006: The Taylor campaign posts a weak October quarterly FEC report, showing just $102,495 cash-on-hand after having raised just $223,147 during the quarter and being propped up by a $100,000 loan by Taylor to his campaign. Edwards’ campaign shows strong momentum with $1,144,692 cash-on-hand after raising $632,935 during the quarter. The Edwards campaign has raised over $2.7 million through September 30th of this year, an increase of over $600,000 at this same point in the last campaign cycle.

October 16, 2005: The National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) cancels its planned television ad buy in support of Taylor, worth more than $1.5 million in the DFW media market.

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Edwards Reports Huge 11-to-1 Cash Advantage Over Taylor

jessica — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:54:24 -0700

October 16, 2006
Edwards Reports Huge 11-to-1 Cash Advantage Over Taylor
Taylor has to loan his campaign $100,000

Waco – Congressman Chet Edwards’ campaign filed its October Quarterly Federal Elections Commission (FEC) reported Sunday, reporting $1.145 million cash-on-hand as of Sept. 30th. Meanwhile, the Van Taylor campaign reported just $102,495 cash-on-hand, despite a $100,000 loan from Taylor to his campaign.

“With a 21-point lead in the polls, a $1 million cash-on-hand advantage, and the endorsement of conservative groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, the Texas Farm Bureau’s AGFUND and the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC, our grassroots campaign is building bipartisan momentum every day,” said Edwards. The FEC reports cover the period of July 1st – September 30th, during which time Edwards raised $632,935, spent $1,087,179 and ended with $1,144,692 on hand.

“Chet’s record of independent-minded effectiveness for our district is clearly trumping Van Taylor’s negative attacks, which the Dallas Morning News described as ‘slash-and-burn campaigning,’” said Edwards Communications Director Jessica Schafer. “Voters should batten down the hatches because the farther Mr. Taylor falls behind, the more desperate his misleading personal attacks have become in direct mail and over the airwaves, as evidenced by the Waco Tribune Herald’s editorial that said Taylor’s attacks ‘twist the truth into pretzel form.’”

Every major newspaper covering the district that has made an endorsement in this race has endorsed Edwards. On Oct. 6th, the Fort Worth Star Telegram wrote that, “Chet Edwards brings experience, understanding and the closest thing to statesmanship one can find in Washington these days.” They noted that, “From championing investments in the nation's military infrastructure to voicing concerns about healthcare for veterans, Edwards has been a constant advocate for the country's military personnel.”

On Oct. 11th, the Dallas Morning News took note of Taylor’s negative campaign as it endorsed Edwards for reelection: “Central Texas stalwart Chet Edwards is being challenged for his seat in Congress this year by a rookie who’s long on cash and slash-and-burn campaigning but short on answers.” Identifying Taylor as “a district newcomer” the editorial board noted that outside money and fundraising help “hasn't helped Mr. Taylor’s grasp of the issues.” The editorial noted that Taylor’s answers were “vague” and raised concerns about Taylor’s credibility.

In their endorsement, the Dallas Morning News editorial board highlighted Edwards’ “steady, pro-defense record and years of dependable service to constituents” and noting that his “senior position on the House Appropriations Committee gives him muscle in the fight for Waco’s threatened VA center.”

In addition, on Sunday, the Waco Tribune-Herald also endorsed Edwards over Taylor, saying the election decision was “easy” given Edwards’ record of effective service for the district. The editorial board also noted, “Taylor’s campaign has been characterized by attacks that twist the truth into pretzel form.”

Edwards also has a commanding 21-point lead in the race according to a poll of 400 likely voters conducted October 9-10 by the respected Washington, DC polling firm of Bennett, Petts and Blumenthal. The poll shows Edwards leading Taylor 54% - 33% and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%.

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Poll: Edwards has Commanding 21-point Lead over Taylor

jessica — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 15:52:12 -0700

October 12, 2006
Poll: Edwards has Commanding 21-point Lead over Taylor
With just 26 days to go, Edwards’ momentum surging as
major newspaper endorsements roll in

Waco – Entering the final stretch of the race for Congress in Texas’ 17th Congressional District, Congressman Chet Edwards leads opponent Van Taylor by a commanding margin of 21 points. The poll of 400 likely voters shows Edwards at 54% and Taylor at 33% with 12% undecided. The poll was conducted October 9-10 by the respected Washington, DC polling firm of Bennett, Petts and Blumenthal and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%.

“Congressman Edwards has consistently led his opponent by a wide margin throughout this campaign,” Edwards campaign pollster Anna Bennett said. “In fact, Congressman Edwards’ lead over Taylor has actually increased since April of this year.”

“Despite a month of negative attack ads from Van Taylor, Taylor has been unable to gain traction, and with four weeks to go until the election, his negative campaign is turning off voters in the 17th District,” Bennett said.

The poll also shows strong underlying numbers for Edwards: 56% of voters have a favorable impression of Edwards, while only 18% have un unfavorable impression. In contrast, only 24% view Taylor favorably, while 29% have an unfavorable view of the challenger. Edwards leads Taylor in all geographic regions of the district.

“This poll is another indication of our strong momentum and that Republicans, Democrats and Independents recognize Chet’s hard work on behalf of the district,” said Edwards campaign spokeswoman Jessica Schafer. “Whether he’s fighting to save the Waco VA Hospital, improve water quality in Lake Waco, bring research funding to Baylor and Texas A&M or improve roads in Johnson and Hood Counties, voters recognize that Chet has been an independent-minded and effective voice in Congress.”

“We fully expect Taylor to ultimately climb above 40% of the vote in this election, but given his low poll numbers at this late date in the campaign, voters should brace themselves for even more petty, personal attacks in the next four weeks,” Schafer said. “Given Taylor’s negative TV ads over the last month and his non-stop attacks in last weekend’s debate, it is apparent that he has given up on trying to convince voters he would make a good congressman and is instead determined to attack Chet at every possible turn.”

On Wednesday, the Dallas Morning News took note of Taylor’s negative campaign as it endorsed Edwards for reelection: “Central Texas stalwart Chet Edwards is being challenged for his seat in Congress this year by a rookie who’s long on cash and slash-and-burn campaigning but short on answers.” Identifying Taylor as “a district newcomer” the editorial board noted that outside money and fundraising help “hasn't helped Mr. Taylor’s grasp of the issues.” The editorial noted that Taylor’s answers were “vague” and raised concerns about Taylor’s credibility.

The Dallas Morning News endorsed Edwards highlighting his “steady, pro-defense record and years of dependable service to constituents” and noting that his “senior position on the House Appropriations Committee gives him muscle in the fight for Waco’s threatened VA center.”

The Fort Worth Star Telegram also endorsed Edwards, writing on Friday, Oct. 6th that, “Chet Edwards brings experience, understanding and the closest thing to statesmanship one can find in Washington these days.” They noted that, “From championing investments in the nation's military infrastructure to voicing concerns about healthcare for veterans, Edwards has been a constant advocate for the country's military personnel.”

Adding to Edwards’ momentum as Election Day nears, the respected Capitol Hill newspaper, Roll Call, which had previously rated the race as a “toss-up” and “Leans Democratic” upgraded its assessment to “Likely Democratic” in their October 10th election preview. Noting “[Taylor’s] campaign doesn’t appear to have gained traction,” Roll Call points out that Edwards defied the odds in 2004 and “should do it again.”

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Edwards Renews Positive Campaign Offer to Taylor

jessica — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 20:19:47 -0700

October 6, 2006
Edwards Renews Offer, Asks Taylor to Reconsider
Running Positive Campaign

Waco – Today, Congressman Chet Edwards asked his opponent, Van Taylor, to reconsider his decision to continue running negative attack advertisements. During a television interview aired last night on KBTX in Bryan-College Station, Edwards asked Taylor to join him in pledging to take down current negative ads and run only positive, issues-based campaign advertisements for the duration of their election contest and to ask any third parties to either stay out of the race or also run positive advertisements and direct mail pieces.

In response to Edwards’ good-faith offer, Taylor’s campaign manager was quoted on KBTX as saying, “To me, this offer really reminds me of a school yard bully backing down from a fight once someone holds their ground against them. This guy has made a living of tearing his opponents apart, and he's got more than he can handle on his hands right now. The people of Central Texas deserve to know his voting record.”

“I believe the voters of this district deserve and want a positive campaign based on important issues, and I sincerely hope he will reconsider and sign the positive campaign pledge with me. The voters of our district deserve a positive, issues-based discussion. That’s why I started out in August and September running television ads focused on my record of independent-minded and effective work for our district. I want to go back to talking about the work I’ve done to help our military, improve our homeland security, keep the Waco VA Hospital open and fight for Texas A&M. These are the issues voters want to hear about,” said Edwards.

After running two TV ads focused on the work Edwards did to keep our military strong and improve homeland and border security, the Edwards campaign was running a third ad about the fight to keep the Waco Veterans Administration Hospital open when Taylor launched the first negative attack ad of the general election.

“When Mr. Taylor launches a negative ad that misleads voters about my record, I have a responsibility to respond and set the record straight. However, I don’t like negative campaigns any more than the voters, which is why I asked Mr. Taylor to join me in signing a positive campaign pledge. If he will do so, we can change the tone of this campaign in a positive way that will be respected by voters, regardless of party affiliation,” added Edwards.

Truth Test: Taylor Attack Ad II

Kat — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:25:11 -0700

September 21, 2006

Truth Test: Taylor Attack Ad II

After launching the first negative television ad of the general election, Van Taylor has followed up with another desperate attack ad that is just as false and uses scare tactics to distort Chet Edwards' record.

Van Taylor Attack ad:

“Chet Edwards is lying. The Congressional Record proves he voted to give food stamps to illegal aliens, but Edwards won't take responsibility.”

The Truth:

Chet Edwards voted for the 1996 Welfare Reform Bill, which is current law, that barred illegal aliens from receiving federal welfare benefits, including food stamps. For reference, see Section 401 of Public Law 104-193, entitled, “Aliens who are not qualified aliens ineligible for Federal public benefits.” (Roll Call Vote 331, 7/18/96, H.R. 3734; Roll Call Vote 383, 7/31/96, H.R. 3734)

Van Taylor Attack Ad:

“…Chet Edwards voted to protect illegal aliens who were arrested for a crime from deportation, allowing them to be released on bail. Some have committed heinous crimes including rape and murder.”

The Truth:

This is an outrageous and false claim. Chet Edwards voted to end “catch and release” practices when he voted for the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act on Dec. 16, 2005. This bill ensures any incarcerated illegal aliens are not released back into local communities and are removed from the United States after serving their sentences. For references, see Section 223, “Institutional Removal Program”, and Section 225, “State Authorization for Assistance in the Enforcement of Immigration Laws Encouraged”. (Roll Call Vote 661, 12/16/2005, H.R. 4437).

Votes cited in Van Taylor's ad do not support his claims:

Van Taylor Attack Ad:

Displays image of Congressional Record page H5608, which displays Roll Call Vote 367 (7/13/04) to support false claim that, “…The Congressional Record proves he voted to give food stamps to illegal aliens…”. ”

The Truth:

This vote, which Taylor used in his last false attack ad, did not give food stamps to illegal aliens or have any impact on current law at all. Taylor continues to offer no substantiation whatsoever for his false claims.

Roll Call 367 (7/13/04): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the FY05 Agriculture Appropriations Act

This redundant amendment had no impact on current law, which already prohibited food stamps going to illegal aliens. Edwards voted for that prohibition in the 1996 Welfare Reform bill on 7/31/1996. During debate, Rep. Tancredo even admitted his amendment would not change current law in any way: “Rep. Kaptur: '…for the record, does the gentleman's amendment in any way change existing law regarding immigration and food stamp eligibility?'…Rep. Tancredo: 'It does not.'” (Congressional Record, 7/13/04)

Amendment failed by a vote of 156-262, with even the Republican Chairman of the subcommittee that wrote the underlying bill, Rep. Henry Bonilla (TX), voting against this amendment.

Van Taylor Attack Ad:

Cites Roll Call votes 262 (6/16/05), 177 (5/17/05), 341 (7/8/04), 270 (6/18/04) and 309 (6/24/03) to back up the false claim that “…Chet Edwards voted to protect illegal aliens who were arrested for a crime from deportation, allowing them to be released on bail.”

Roll Call 262 (6/16/05): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the Science, State, Justice, Commerce Departments Appropriations Act.

This redundant amendment had no impact on current law and would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. The amendment simply states that funds cannot be used in any manner against the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, a law that Chet Edwards supported. During debate over the amendment, Rep. Tancredo admitted, “My amendment does not make any new laws or create any new penalty or change any laws on the books.” (Congressional Record, 6/16/2005)

Amendment failed by a vote of 204-222.

Roll Call 177 (5/17/05): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

This redundant amendment had no impact on current law and would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. The amendment simply states that funds cannot be used in any manner against the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, a law that Chet Edwards supported. Rep. Tancredo admitted during debate, “The law is on the books; I am not creating law here.” (Congressional Record, 5/17/2005)

Amendment failed by a vote of 165-258

Roll Call 341 (7/8/04): Amendment by Rep. King to the Commerce, State, Justice Departments Appropriations Act.

This amendment would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. This misplaced amendment attempted to take money from the Department of Justice to fund current laws, which Chet Edwards supports, that encourage local officials to work with Federal immigration enforcement agents. However, as Republican Congressman Frank Wolf said during debate, “Enforcement of this section of the immigration law is the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security…No agency funded in this bill has that responsibility. The gentleman should have done the amendment on the right bill… it just does not fit.” (Congressional Record, 7/08/2004)

Amendment failed by a vote of 139-278.

Roll Call 270 (6/18/04): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

This redundant amendment had no impact on current law and would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. The amendment simply states that funds cannot be used in any manner against the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, a law that Chet Edwards supported. Rep. Tancredo admitted during debate, “This amendment does not change the law, it does not repeal the law, it does not add anything to the law.” (Congressional Record, 6/18/2004)

Amendment failed by a vote of 148-259.

Roll Call 309 (6/24/03): Amendment by Rep. Tancredo to the Homeland Security Appropriations Act.

This amendment would not have protected incarcerated illegal aliens from deportation. The amendment took away all port security, airport security, first responder, disaster and other Department of Homeland Security funds from states and cities if they were not in complete compliance with a specific provision of immigration law about sharing information between local and federal officials. While Chet Edwards supported and voted for the immigration law, he joined the overwhelming majority of House members who refused to leave states and cities vulnerable to terrorist attacks by supporting this amendment.

Amendment failed by a vote of 102-322.

Edwards: Is Taylor Misleading Voters?

jessica — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 10:54:33 -0700

September 13, 2006
Edwards: Is Taylor Misleading Voters About his 2005 Move to the District?
Contradictory statements raise serious questions

WACO - Today Congressman Chet Edwards said Van Taylor must address serious questions about his motives for moving to the 17th District in June 2005 in light of recent contradictory statements from Taylor and New York Congressman Tom Reynolds.

While Taylor has claimed throughout the campaign that he moved to the 17th District for the “quality of life” and that afterwards the encouragement of local leaders led him to run for Congress, a statement by National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Rep. Tom Reynolds appears to contradict that claim. In a Sept. 8th Associated Press story, Reynolds said, “I've had discussions with Van Taylor from his earliest days...I helped recruit him....We look at him as one of our top recruits.”

When asked about Reynolds’ comments, Taylor denied being recruited and reiterated that he decided to run after moving to West and receiving “so much support from local Republican leaders.” A local Republican leader, however, has also contradicted this version of events. When Taylor claimed, during the primary race, that McLennan County GOP Chair M.A. Taylor had encouraged him to run, M.A. Taylor disagreed, saying he “absolutely and unequivocally...did not encourage Van Taylor to run for office.” (Waco Tribune Herald, Mar. 4, 2006)

“Mr. Taylor claims Republicans in Washington D.C. did not recruit him to move to our congressional district in June of 2005 but that local Republicans did recruit him after he moved here. However, public statements by two Republican elected officials raise serious questions about the credibility of Mr. Taylor’s claims,” said Edwards.

Does Mr. Taylor also expect voters to believe that in the just over three weeks between his purchase of a home in our district on June 21, 2005 and the Quorum Report of July 14, 2005 saying he had taken a ‘serious look’ at running for Congress, that party leaders throughout our 12 county district personally knew him, heard about his “quality of life” move to West and then sought him out to urge him to run for Congress? Such a claim stretches the imagination and is in direct conflict with the McLennan County Republican Chair’s statement that he “absolutely and unequivocally…did not encourage Van Taylor to run for office” despite Van Taylor’s claim to the contrary.

Taylor has also misled voters about the timing of his move to the district. A Taylor television ad which ran during the primary campaign, stated that “...Van Taylor returned from Iraq to raise his family here”. The truth is, during the two years between his return from Iraq and move to the 17th District sometime after June 21, 2005, Taylor listed two different Dallas addresses and a New York City phone number in the elite Social Register, before buying a $1.4 million house in North Dallas in August 2004.

When Taylor bought his $1.4 million house in North Dallas in August 2004, was it his intention then to raise his family in Central Texas? When Taylor maintained his membership at the exclusive Newport, Rhode Island Spouting Rock Beach Club, was that with the intention of raising his family in Central Texas? Was the New York City phone number listed in the Social Register a home or business address?

“When both the NRCC Chairman and the Republican chairman in Van Taylor’s newly adopted home county give contradictory versions of events from what Mr. Taylor has said, it raises serious questions about Mr. Taylor’s credibility. Voters deserve honest answers and Mr. Taylor should release records that clear up these lingering questions surrounding his move from North Dallas to our district 15 months ago and his decision to run for Congress,” Edwards said.

Edwards says voters deserve answers to the following questions, including any supporting records:

When exactly did Taylor first talk to the NRCC, Rep. Tom Reynolds, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay or other Texas Members of Congress or national party officials concerning a bid for Congress? Was it before or after he purchased his house in West on June 21st, 2005?

Does Taylor have emails, phone or other records to show if he had occasion to talk to the NRCC, Rep. Tom Reynolds, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay or other Texas Members of Congress or national party officials before buying a house in West on June 21st, 2005?

How soon after purchasing a $1.4 million home in North Dallas in August 2004, did Taylor begin looking to move to a new town?

Since Taylor said he moved to West for its “small town quality of life,” do his phone, travel or email records show that he visited any other small towns in other areas of Texas? Or did he only look at towns in the 17th Congressional District? When did he first visit West and who did he talk to about the quality of life in West? Do any records substantiate his answer?

When did Taylor move into his house in West?

How many different Dallas addresses did Taylor have after returning from Iraq before, two years later, buying a house in West?

Several of Taylor’s comments have raised questions about his commitment to and lack of roots in the 17th District, including when he referred to this district as being “…this piece of geography…” in a Waco Tribune-Herald December 12, 2005 news article. Edwards stated, “I’ve represented McLennan County for 24 years and this is the first time I’ve ever heard any citizen here refer to their home as ‘this piece of geography.’ I first moved to this district in 1970, two years before Van Taylor was born. I attended college in the district, met and married my wife Lea Ann here and our two children were born here. Our district will never be just a ‘piece of geography’ to me.”

Van Taylor Timeline: When and Why Did Van Taylor Decide to Run?

June, 2003: Taylor returns from Iraq to Dallas.

August, 2004: Taylor buys a $1.4 million house in North Dallas.

June 21, 2005: Taylor buys a house in West, TX.

Unknown date: Taylor moves into house in West, TX.

July 14, 2005: Only 3 weeks after Taylor bought his house in West and an unknown amount of time after he moved in, Harvey Kronberg’s Quorum Report publishes report that Taylor “is taking a serious look at challenging Congressman Chet Edwards.”

July 17, 2005: Waco Tribune Herald includes Van Taylor in article about candidates to challenge Edwards. Political consultant Christopher Peterson of Brazos County is quoted saying, “We’ve already seen people make financial commitments to get into the district, whether it's Van Taylor buying a house or Tucker Anderson moving back from Washington, those folks are running.”

July 28, 2005: Taylor registers to vote in the 17th District.

August 23, 2005: Taylor files papers with the Federal Elections Commission to run for Congress in the 17th District, where he has lived for 2 months or less.

October 12, 2005: Waco Tribune Herald reports that, “Taylor, a businessman raised in Midland and recently working in Dallas, moved to the town of West in the summer for a campaign”

December 6, 2005: Taylor is quoted in the Waco Tribune Herald calling his new home “this piece of geography”.

February 28, 2006: Taylor begins running a misleading campaign commercial claiming, “...Van Taylor returned from Iraq to raise his family here” despite the fact that there was a two year gap between Taylor’s return from Iraq and move to the 17th district.

March 4, 2006: In Waco Tribune Herald article, Taylor claims GOP McLennan County Chair M.A. Taylor encouraged him to run, but M.A. Taylor disagrees: “‘I visited with M.A. Taylor and he encouraged me to run,’ Van Taylor said. But the county party chairman rejects that version, saying Van Taylor was already running before they first met. ‘One thing I try very hard to do is keep the facts straight,’ M.A. Taylor said. ‘I can tell you absolutely and unequivocally that I did not encourage Van Taylor to run for office. That decision was made before I talked to him.’”

Sept. 8, 2006: NRCC Chairman Rep. Tom Reynolds is quoted in an AP article saying, “I've had discussions with Van Taylor from his earliest days…I helped recruit him. …We look at him as one of our top recruits.” The article continues, “But Taylor denies being tapped to run against Edwards…Since the start of Taylor's campaign, he has said that he had already moved from Dallas to West, a 2,700-resident town north of Waco, before he decided to run. Taylor said he moved in the summer of 2005 because he wanted a better quality of life for his family…Taylor, 34, said again Friday that after moving to the district last summer, he got so much support from local Republican leaders that he decided to enter the race.”

U.S. Chamber of Commerce and NFIB Endorse Edwards

jessica — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 16:02:38 -0700

August 24, 2006
U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business Endorse Edwards

WACO - Congressman Chet Edwards officially received the endorsement of both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today. Both groups are national grassroots business organizations with numerous local members who based their endorsements on Edwards’ proven pro-business record in Congress and the 17th District.

The endorsements represent a blow to the Van Taylor campaign since both nonpartisan organizations generally endorse Republicans, including Arlene Wohlgemuth in 2004.

“Central Texas businesses have a true friend in Chet Edwards. A fiscal conservative with a background in business, Chet has supported businesses and job growth in America by voting to reduce unfair taxes and regulation on businesses while also strongly supporting private property rights,” said Peter Havel, regional executive director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, and has recognized Edwards with their “Spirit of Enterprise” award the past two years in a row for his leadership in Congress fighting for jobs and business.

“Few issues are more important to small business than reducing the costs of health care and we are very grateful to Chet Edwards for his support of the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005.
As a business school graduate and a former businessman in commercial real estate and the radio business, Chet understands business and has earned a reputation for helping small businesses cut through government red tape,” said Will Newton, Texas State Director for NFIB.

The NFIB is the country’s largest small and independent businesses advocacy organization. Their members range from high-tech manufacturers to farmers.

“As someone with extensive local business experience, I know Chet is fighting in Congress for us. Chet has always put the needs of this district above partisan politics, working to improve our roads and infrastructure, which in turn makes our area more attractive to new business and new jobs,” said William L. Clifton Jr., principal at The Clifton Group in Waco.

“I am honored to have earned the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber and the NFIB for my pro-business voting record and hard work to attract jobs and businesses to our district. These endorsements are one more reason why we are going to win in November,” said Edwards. “Fighting for economic growth for our country and jobs for our district has always been a top priority of mine and I look forward to continuing the fight in Congress next year.”

In addition, the Texas Association of Business’ political action committee, BACPAC, also announced its endorsement of Edwards.

“BACPAC enthusiastically endorses Representative Chet Edwards (TX-17) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives,” TAB BACPAC spokesperson Bill Hammond said. “With over 20 years experience on the state and federal levels, Edwards is a strong public policy leader committed to reducing government waste, creating more jobs and expanding the economic opportunities of all Texans. With a long legacy of championing the issues that matter the most, Edwards is a vital to the continued success of this state.”

Endorsements are being announced at four events throughout the 17th District – in Waco and Bryan/College Station on Thursday, August 24th, and in Cleburne and Granbury on Friday, August 25th.

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